Why We Are Here – the Suggested Preamble to the Twelve Steps
Have you ever wondered why the Suggested Preamble to the Twelve Steps of Al‑Anon and Alateen appears in so many pieces of Conference Approved Literature? Does your Al‑Anon or Alateen group read it as part of the meeting
Alateen Literature Is Conference Approved Literature
Some time ago in the weekly Al‑Anon meeting that I attend, the topic scheduled was the Second Step. The meeting was quiet—nobody wanted to participate. That day I had one of my favorite daily readers with me—Alateen—a day
I No Longer Feel Like I Am Drowning
My dad has always been a drinker, but it always seemed bearable when I was growing up. Throughout elementary and middle school, I did not even realize he was an alcoholic. I thought all parents drank as much
I Could Finally Say It Out Loud
My life was already in a state of emergency when I first heard about Al‑Anon. I didn’t understand what Al‑Anon was; I just knew that I needed help. My first meeting was daunting. I was very reserved after
I Desperately Needed a Life Preserver
A number of years ago, I finally took the step to walk into a drug and alcohol counselor’s office. By the time I reached that office, it felt like I was gasping for air, drowning in a rowboat
Climbing My Way out of the Hurt
I grew up in a home filled with violence, drug addiction, alcoholism, abuse, and neglect. I was so confused. I even needed someone to teach me the basics of hygiene, but there was no one. By the time
Letting Go of My Shame
I finally came into Al‑Anon after my second divorce was finalized. I had lost myself in trying to be who I thought my husband wanted me to be, and I was not sure what was wrong with me.
Baby-Stepping toward Recovery
When I came to Al‑Anon several months ago, I had no idea of the serenity I would start to enjoy in time. During my first few weeks of attending meetings, I was exhausted, frazzled, and fearful, but I
Can We Use Discontinued Literature in Meetings?
I loved hearing about my family’s history from my older relatives as I grew up, so it seemed only natural that I eventually inherited the role of family historian. Through the years, I’ve accumulated not only facts and
The CAL Process—Al-Anon’s Group Conscience in Action
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I didn’t have time for patience. Although it had taken me years to recognize that I was affected by living with alcoholism, I suddenly expected an overnight recovery. In those early years, I
Only What Is Mine To Do
Before I came to Al‑Anon, I felt that it was my job to make sure I kept my household running on an even keel. What an enormous job that was, especially living with an active alcoholic. I was
Keeping My Peace
My peace belongs to me, but it is so easy to give it away or let someone take it. One gem I have heard in Al‑Anon meetings is “Don’t take the bait.” I may be quite happy and